Letter of Recommendation (LOR) for Masters: Sample, Format, & Tips

LOR, or Letter of recommendation, is a letter in which the writer evaluates the qualities, abilities, and characteristics of the candidate to perform a particular task along with their ability to comprehend the task and complete it with efficiency. A letter of recommendation is mainly used for employment and admission to an institution for higher education or scholarship criterias as well.

The letter of recommendation is mainly written by some authority, like a supervisor, colleague, or employer. These are the people who have seen the progress and know the character of the person for further recommendations.

LOR for masters is essential as it provides insight to the admissions committees from a bird’s eye view and an expert’s point of view on the candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. This allows the institution in assessing your potential for graduate school. Institutions put heavy reliance on letter of recommendation as they provide insight into your potential apart from the standard tests and grades showcased in your resume.

The LOR format for masters can be divided into five sections. These sections will guide you in formatting your LOR in a manner that clearly delivers your message and is specific rather than generic. The four to five paras will be curated in a manner that addresses different things with logic and rationale.

• Section one

Section one should include a brief introduction of the recommender, such as their designation, which college or university they are working at, and their equation with the student for whom they are writing the letter of recommendation. In addition to all these details, the recommender should also include what subjects they have taught the student and in what capacity they are writing the letter of recommendation.

• Section two

This section includes the student's positive and strong academic traits. It needs to focus on one point: your positive respect for your academic background. The person writing it must emphasise your quality, which he found impressive.

• Section three

This section focuses on the positive aspects of personality. It would be the second quality of the letter of recommendation. The recommender can specify your personality trait through an example to better understand it and explain how that trait came to their attention.

• Section four

Section four is about emphasising yet another skill of the candidate, which could be soft skills, teamwork, organisational skills, and much more. This paragraph should again include examples of how the recommender saw that particular quality.

• Section five

The last paragraph of the letter of recommendation summarises the student portfolio. It is also the concluding paragraph or summary of the entire letter, emphasising why the student is a good candidate for admission to the university. This particular paragraph will also include the recommender's contact details, including his contact number and email address, for confirmation purposes.

Also, Read: LOR for Germany Universities 

Here are some sample LORs for masters for your reference. These are standard LOR templates for masters; you can change them according to your priorities and preferences.

It is common knowledge that, as a student, you can be sceptical in asking for a letter of recommendation for a masters program from your mentors and respected authorities. However, no matter how perplexed you are, it is a process of application. Hence, let’s discuss some methods through which you can request a letter of recommendation for masters.

• Choose the right person who is significant in your academic improvement and admission procedure. You can make a list of people who you think will know about your character and would help contribute to your admission process.

• You can provide your resume to the person writing a letter of recommendation for you. This would help them mention your strengths and write an appropriate recommendation. You can also highlight all your achievements for better understanding.

• You can ask your mentor personally as well. It is always respectful to ask personally beforehand before sending a formal request through mail or post.

• Lastly, after asking personally to your mentors personally, you can send a formal request through email or post, requesting a letter of recommendation for a master's, which would make a difference in your admission process. 

Also, Read: Gap Certificate: Format, Samples, & Documents

Although people use letter of recommendation and letter of reference interchangeably, they are separate entities. Here is the clear distinction between the two, along with the Statement of Purpose (SOP).

A letter of recommendation is a document attested by an authorised person. It mentions the potential and qualities of the candidate who wants to join the esteemed institution. The document mainly focuses on achievements, skills, and qualities. The letter of recommendation is an important document required in the admission process.

A letter of reference is a general affirmation of the person’s character and capabilities. It can be written by anyone, a friend, or a colleague, whereas a letter of recommendation is only written by an authority and certified by them. A letter of reference is given to the candidate itself, whereas a letter of recommendation is sent directly to the concerned institution.

A statement of purpose is an entirely different document. The candidates themselves write it, as it is a biographical essay. The document must include the candidate’s goals, principles, and ambitions. The essay can consist of long-term plans, dreams, and aspirations. Moreover, this document gives the admission department an overview of the candidate’s personality, vision, and nature and helps them understand if it suits their institution.

In conclusion, a letter of Recommendation (LOR) is an important document to submit to your chosen university abroad if needed. We have covered the essential details of LOR above, so by reading the blog, you will know what a letter of recommendation is and how to write it effectively. Moreover, you can refer to the given samples or follow the correct template provided in this blog.

We hope this blog offered adequate insights about the Letter of Recommendation (LOR) and how to create one. If you would like to get a deeper insight into LOR or need help creating one, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011. 

1. Is a letter of recommendation and a letter of reference different?

Yes, both documents are different, as a letter of recommendation is a certified copy from an authority. In contrast, a letter of reference can be written by any person knowing your personality and character.

2.  Is a letter of recommendation necessary for a master’s degree?

Yes, it is an essential document when applying to universities, as it gives the admission department confidence in your capabilities and character and that you would be a good fit for their university.

3. Should a letter of recommendation be written by an authority?

Yes, it is advised that it be written by a professor or an authority, as this would make the document unbiased and provide a clear picture to the admission department.

4. Who can write a letter of recommendation for masters?

When applying for a master’s degree, your previous professor, head of the department, or any other relevant person can write a letter of recommendation for you.

5. How can a LOR be submitted?

The LOR can be submitted by the student or by the recommender himself online through email or on the university's online portal. It can also be sent to the university by traditional post or mail.

6. Are the letter of recommendation verified by the universities?

It depends on the discretion of the university. They can contact the person who has written the letter of recommendation through the contact number mentioned in the letter. Generally, the letter of recommendation is considered authentic, and the application process is proceeded with.

7. Can the LOR be written by an employer?

Yes, it can, depending on the rules of the university. Hence, before proceeding with the letter of recommendation, you are advised to check with the university portal for more clarity.

8. What are the musts for a letter of recommendation?

The letter of recommendation should be clear and precise. It should clearly forward the message that needs to be delivered while highlighting the points that show why you will be a good fit for the university you are applying to.

9. Can I write my own letter of recommendation for masters?

It is advised that the letter of recommendation for masters be written by a previous professor or head of the department, as this would provide more clarity and increase your chances for admission.

10. What should not be done while writing a letter of recommendation?

Firstly, you should not choose a biased person; instead, approach a person who will provide an unbiased opinion about your skills and abilities.

Secondly, do not avoid giving examples and instances while explaining the skill sets.

Thirdly, do not make the mistake of making the letter of recommendation informal. Hence, using formal words like students the candidate would be appropriate.

Lastly, do not rush the recommender to write the letter of recommendation as it can affect adversely.